Marcus Reno, born on November 15, 1834, in Illinois, was a Union Army Brevet Brigadier General who is perhaps best known for his controversial decisions that ultimately led to the infamous defeat of the United States military at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Reno's military career began when he attended the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1851 to 1857. After graduating, he was brevetted as a second lieutenant in the 1st Dragoons.
Reno's military career saw him involved in both the Indian Wars and the American Civil War. He fought bravely in these conflicts, earning a reputation as a skilled and capable officer. However, it was during the Battle of the Little Bighorn that Reno's legacy would be forever tarnished.
On June 25, 1876, Marcus Reno was serving as a major in the 7th Cavalry Regiment under the command of General George Armstrong Custer. The regiment was part of an expedition to confront a coalition of Native American tribes led by Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.
During the battle, Reno made the controversial decision to attack the Native American encampment head-on, rather than waiting for reinforcements or attempting a more strategic approach. This decision proved disastrous, as Reno's forces were quickly overwhelmed, leading to a chaotic retreat and the deaths of many soldiers, including Custer himself.
The Battle of the Little Bighorn would forever be remembered as a stunning defeat for the United States military, and Marcus Reno's role in the debacle would be heavily scrutinized. Many historians have debated Reno's actions during the battle, with some arguing that he was unfairly made a scapegoat for the larger failures of the campaign.
Despite his controversial legacy, Marcus Reno's military service should not be overlooked. He was a brave and dedicated officer who served his country with honor and distinction in some of the most challenging and dangerous conflicts of his time.
Not much is known about Marcus Reno's personal life, but he was reportedly an ancestor of Phillippe Francois Renault, a famous French explorer and entrepreneur. Reno's family background may have influenced his decision to pursue a career in the military.
In the film "Custer of the West," Marcus Reno was portrayed by actor Ty Hardin. The film depicts the events leading up to the Battle of the Little Bighorn, including Reno's controversial decisions and the ultimate defeat of Custer's forces.
Despite the controversies surrounding his actions at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Marcus Reno remains an important figure in American military history. His legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of warfare, and the lasting impact of individual decisions on the course of history.